Visualization trocar

ABSTRACT

A trocar has an elongated shaft, and a puncturing head is attached to a distal end of the shaft. The puncturing head can have three blades with sharpened cutting edges. A pathway for light communication is established through three apertures in the puncturing head to a longitudinal bore within the shaft. An endoscope can be positioned in the bore to collect light from the distal end of the shaft. A video monitor is connected to the endoscope for displaying an image of the path of advancement of the trocar.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Application Ser. No. 08/343,263, filed Nov. 21, 1994, for Improved Visualization Trocar, abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No. 07/974,956, filed Nov. 12, 1992, for Trocar for Endoscopic Surgery, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,572.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to instruments for endoscopic surgery and more particularly to trocars for laparascopic surgery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laparascopic surgery is a genre of endoscopic surgery which is used to perform abdominal surgery, e.g., gall bladder removal. Laparascopic surgery, like many other types of endoscopic surgery, is often preferred over conventional surgery because laparascopic surgery is less invasive than conventional surgery. As a consequence, laparascopic surgery can be performed in less time at less cost per procedure than conventional abdominal surgery, and it reduces patient recovery time from weeks to days.

In laparascopic surgery, a plurality of tubes are advanced into the patient's abdomen through percutaneous entry sites. The distal end of each tube is positioned in the patient's abdomen as appropriate for the intended function of the tube. One tube is ordinarily used to establish a working channel through which an appropriate endoscopic instrument, e.g., an endoscopic forceps, scalpel, or retractor, can be advanced to the surgery site to perform the particular procedure. Yet another tube may be used to establish a working channel for insufflating the patient's abdomen, while another tube may be used to establish a working channel for irrigating the surgery site. Also, a tube is typically positioned in the abdomen to establish a working channel for fiber optics, for viewing the interior of the abdomen during the procedure.

To provide for inserting each tube into the patient, a trocar having a sharpened distal end is positioned within the lumen of the tube. The sharpened distal end of the trocar protrudes beyond the distal end of the tube, so that the sharpened distal end can establish a pathway during advancement of the trocar with tube along which the tube can be advanced. When the tube has been positioned as desired, the trocar is retrieved from the lumen of the tube.

Not surprisingly, great care must be taken when advancing the trocar into the patient, to avoid inadvertently cutting or puncturing tissue or organs which should not be cut or punctured. This is particularly true in the case of the first-positioned trocar, which is advanced into the patient prior to positioning a fiber optic into the patient for viewing the interior of the abdomen.

Further, even after a fiber optic has been positioned in the abdomen, the path along which the trocar is to be advanced may be visible on the video monitor that is connected to the fiber optic, because tissue may be interposed between the fiber optic and the trocar. Thus, the present invention recognizes that when positioning a trocar during endoscopic surgery it would be advantageous to provide a viewing system which can display the path of advancement of the trocar to the surgeon as the trocar is being advanced into the patient.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a trocar which can percutaneously be advanced into a patient by a surgeon who can view the path of advancement on a nearby video monitor. Another object of the present invention is to provide a trocar which is easy to use and safely position within a patient. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a trocar which is cost-effective to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An endoscopic piercing instrument, preferably a trocar, is provided which can be advanced into a patient while providing a view to the surgeon of the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar, to facilitate safe and proper positioning of the trocar in the patient. One application of the trocar is in laparascopic surgery, wherein a sheath can be positioned in a surrounding relationship with the trocar, and the trocar with sheath can be advanced into the abdomen of a patient. Once the sheath has been positioned in the abdomen, the trocar is retrieved from the patient, and the sheath establishes a working channel for an endoscopic surgical tool.

In accordance with the present invention, the piercing trocar has a shaft, and the shaft has a distal end and proximal segment. A cavity is formed in the proximal segment, and a light transmitting member is positioned in the cavity in light communication with the distal end of the shaft. Accordingly, the light transmitting member transmits light which impinges on the distal end of the shaft and which propagates through the shaft to the light transmitting member. Also, a cutting element is attached to the distal end of the shaft for piercing tissue.

Preferably, the light transmitting member is a rigid endoscope, and the endoscope is connected to a video display system. More preferably, the endoscope includes at least one rod lens, and the rod lens is operably connected to a video monitor for displaying an image of the pathway of the intended advancement of the trocar as the trocar is advanced into the patient.

In one embodiment, a transparent puncturing head is formed on the distal end of the shaft and is integral to the shaft, and the cutting element is positioned on the puncturing head. As envisioned by the present invention, the puncturing head has a distal portion shaped as a regular triangular pyramid. In other words, the distal portion of the puncturing head has a transverse cross-section which is configured as an equilateral triangle, to permit easily advancing the distal portion of the puncturing head through tissue incident to endoscopic, and more particularly, laparascopic surgery.

Accordingly, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the distal portion of the puncturing head has three generally longitudinal edges. Each edge is sharpened to thereby establish the cutting element.

Alternatively, the cutting element can have three sharpened blades, with the cutting element being embedded in the puncturing head such that a portion of each blade protrudes beyond a respective edge of the distal portion of the puncturing head.

In either embodiment, light from the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar can propagate through the transparent puncturing head and shaft and enter the endoscope. The endoscope then generates an electrical signal representing the image of the pathway of intended advancement and transmits the signal to a video display monitor for display of the pathway of intended advancement on the monitor, which is positioned nearby the surgeon. Accordingly, the surgeon can view the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar on the monitor as the surgeon positions the trocar in the patient, to thereby facilitate safe and proper positioning of the trocar.

In another embodiment, the puncturing head is omitted, and the cutting element includes at least one and preferably four blades that are attached to a distal segment of a hollow shaft. As intended by the present invention, the shaft can be made of steel and at least a central core section of the distal segment is transparent. Also, the shaft has a proximal segment, and a cavity is formed in the proximal segment directly behind the transparent central core section, i.e., the cavity is coaxial with the transparent central core section and abuts the transparent central core section. An endoscope is positioned in the cavity.

The blades extend distally away from the distal segment of the shaft, and are positioned relative to the shaft such that a line-of-sight is established between the blades from the distal segment of the shaft to a location beyond the blades.

Consequently, as the shaft is advanced into a patient, light which propagates from the pathway of intended advancement of the shaft can pass between the blades and impinge on the distal segment of the shaft. Then, the light can propagate through the transparent central core section of the distal segment of the shaft for reception by the endoscope. The endoscope generates a signal representing the pathway of intended advancement and then transmits the signal to a video display monitor for viewing the pathway of the shaft as it is advanced into the patient.

In yet another embodiment, an endoscopic trocar has an elongated shaft formed with a longitudinal channel therein. The shaft defines an axis and has a distal end, and a puncturing head is formed on the distal end, with the channel extending longitudinally through the puncturing head.

As intended by the alternate embodiment of the present invention, the puncturing head has a distal portion shaped as a partial cone. In other words, the distal portion of the puncturing head has a curvilinear surface and a flat surface. Consequently, the puncturing head has a distal apex that is not collinear with the axis of the shaft.

The channel, as stated, is formed through the puncturing head, and terminates at the aperture in the flat surface of the puncturing head. An endoscope is positioned in the channel. If desired, a cutting blade having opposed cutting edges can be positioned on the puncturing head.

In yet another embodiment, an endoscopic piercing instrument includes a shaft which has a distal end through which light can propagate. Also, the shaft has a longitudinal hollow bore that is coaxial with the shaft.

A tapered puncturing head is formed on the distal end of the shaft integrally therewith. The puncturing head includes a plurality of blades, and the blades establish a plurality of sharpened cutting edges. Importantly, the puncturing head includes apertures between the blades to create a light passageway from the area beyond the distal end of the shaft to a position located proximally from the puncturing head. The blades are configured to align with the longitudinal axis of the shaft so as to present the least possible interference with the passage of light into the bore of the shaft. In addition, the blades are made as thin as possible, optionally having flat sides which lie parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal edges of the blades can also be formed as sharp edges to minimize reflection of light into the central bore from the blades. A light transmitting member is positioned in the bore of the shaft in light communication with the area of the patient beyond the distal end of the shaft, for transmitting light which impinges on the puncturing head to a video imaging device.

The blades are joined near the longitudinal axis of the shaft to form a bridge over the distal end of the longitudinal bore, to keep the tissues of the patient spaced apart from the light transmitting member. The tip of the puncturing head is blunted to prevent unnecessary tissue damage, while still allowing the cutting edges to penetrate the tissues where desired. Concave surfaces are formed in the puncturing head, between the blades, to assist the instrument in passing through the penetrated tissues by gently spreading the tissues apart as the instrument advances. Additional lumens can be provided in the shaft of the instrument to conduct irrigation fluid to the vicinity of the puncturing head and to aspirate fluids away from the vicinity of the puncturing head, to assist in maintaining visibility.

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the transparent trocar of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar of the present invention, as seen along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar of the present invention, as seen along the line 3--3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trocar of the present invention, as would be seen along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1, showing cutting blades embedded in the puncturing head;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the trocar of the present invention, showing cutting blades protruding from the distal end of the shaft;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar of the present invention, as seen along the line 6--6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar of the present invention, as seen along the line 7--7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the trocar of the present invention, shown in one intended XD;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the trocar of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the trocar shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view as seen along the line 11--11 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of yet another embodiment of the visualization trocar of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is another elevation view of the visualization trocar shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the distal end of the visualization trocar shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section view as seen along the line 16--16 in FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a transparent trocar is shown, generally designated 10. As will be more fully disclosed below, the trocar 10 can be advanced into a patient while providing a view to the surgeon of the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar, to facilitate safe and proper positioning of the trocar in the patient during endoscopic and, more particularly, laparascopic surgery. When the trocar 10 is to be used in laparascopic surgery, a sheath (not shown in FIG. 1) such as a Stable Access Cannula® made by Marlow of Minnesota can be positioned in a surrounding relationship with the trocar 10, and the trocar 10 with sheath advanced into the abdomen of a patient. Once the sheath has been positioned in the abdomen, the trocar 10 is retrieved from the patient, and the sheath establishes a working channel for an endoscopic surgical tool.

As shown in FIG. 1, the trocar 10 has a transparent elongated cylindrical shaft 12. Preferably, the shaft 12 of the trocar 10 is made of a clear, biocompatible, axially rigid material, such as hard plastic, glass, or plexiglass. To improve the capability of the shaft 12 to transmit light, the outer surface of the shaft 12 is polished. When the trocar 10 is to be used for laparascopic surgery, the shaft 12 has a diameter of about ten millimeters (10 mm), and a length of about ten centimeters (10 cm). It is to be understood, however, that a trocar 10 can have other diameters, e.g., eight millimeters or twenty millimeters (8 mm or 20 mm).

FIG. 1 further shows that the shaft 12 has a proximal segment 14 and a distal end 16. A cavity 18 is formed in the proximal segment 14 of the shaft 12, and a light gathering member, preferably a rigid endoscope 20, is positioned in the cavity 18. Preferably, the rigid endoscope 20 includes a plurality of rod lens 22. In one presently preferred embodiment, the rigid endoscope 20 can be a rigid surgical endoscope made by Carl Storz, Cabot, or American Cystoscope Manufacturers Inc.

A video monitor 24 is also shown in FIG. 1, and the video monitor 24 is connected to the endoscope 20 via an electrical line 26. The video monitor 24, endoscope 20, and associated video electronics (not shown) establish a video display system of the type well-known in the art and used to present video images of internal body tissue during endoscopic procedures.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a transparent solid puncturing head 28 is shown formed integrally with the distal end 16 of the shaft 12. The puncturing head 28 is made of the same material as is the shaft 12. Preferably, the puncturing head 28 and shaft 12 are formed integrally together during manufacturing of the trocar 10 by molding processes well-known the art.

In cross-reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the puncturing head 28 is configured generally as a regular triangular pyramid. Stated differently, the puncturing head 28 has a base 30 (FIG. 3) that is shaped as an equilateral triangle having a geometric center 32, and the puncturing head 28 has an apex 34 (FIG. 2) which, together with the geometric center 32 of the base 30, defines an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the base 30.

Accordingly, in reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the puncturing head 28 has three surfaces 36, 38, 40. Three edges 42, 44, 46 are established between the surfaces 36, 38, 40. In accordance with the presently preferred embodiment, the surfaces 36, 38, 40 are polished by means well-known in the art to sharpen the edges 42, 44, 46 and thereby establish a cutting element. Consequently, the trocar 10 can be advanced into tissue, and the edges 42, 44, 46 can cleanly cut the tissue as the trocar 10 is being advanced through the tissue to thereby permit easy advancement of the trocar 10.

Now referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the trocar of the present invention is shown, generally designated 50. As shown, the trocar 50 has a shaft 51 and is in all essential respects identical to the trocar 10, with the exception that three preferably stainless steel cutting blades (only blades 52, 54, shown in FIG. 4) are embedded in a puncturing head 56. The cutting blades 52, 54 provide greater cutting capability for the puncturing head 56 vis-a-vis the puncturing head 28 shown in FIG. 1. Each cutting blade extends substantially from a distal end 53 of the shaft 51 near an apex 55 of the puncturing head 56.

Each blade 52, 54 is shaped generally as a thin parallelepiped, similar to a safety razor blade, and the width W of each blade 52, 54, is considerably smaller than the length L of each blade 52, 54. Also, each cutting blade has a respective flat surface 52a, 54a. Each flat blade surface 52a, 54a defines a respective blade plane.

As can be appreciated in reference to FIG. 4, each blade 52, 54 has a respective sharpened cutting edge 58, 60, and each cutting edge 58, 60 protrudes beyond a respective edge (only edges 62, 64 shown in FIG. 4) of the puncturing head 56, the blades 52, 54 are embedded in the puncturing head 56 during manufacturing by molding the blades 52, 56 into the head 56. As the trocar 50 is advanced into tissue, the blades 52, 54 cut the tissue to permit easy advancement of the trocar 50.

Importantly, the cutting blades 52, 54 are preferably oriented such that their respective blade planes are parallel to a longitudinal axis 66 of the trocar 50. Stated differently, the planes defined by the flat surfaces 52a, 54a of the cutting blades 52, 54 intersect each other along the longitudinal axis 66 of the trocar 50, to establish a line-of-sight from the distal end 53 of the shaft 51 to a location beyond the blades 52, 54.

Consequently, the field of view between the blades 52, 54 from the shaft 51 to a location beyond the blades 52, 54 is maximized. In other words, because the flat surfaces 52a, 54a of the cutting blades 52, 54 are positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 66 of the trocar 50, the amount of light from the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 50 which can propagate past the blades 52, 54 and impinge on the shaft 51 is maximized. Thus, the amount of light which can enter the distal end 53 of the shaft 51 and propagate through the shaft 51 to an endoscope 68 (for viewing the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 50 on an associated video monitor) is maximized.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show yet another embodiment of the trocar of the present invention, generally designated 70. As shown, the trocar 70 has no cutting head, but has a cutting element 72 comprising a plurality of, preferably four, cutting blades 74, 76, 78, 80 which protrude beyond a distal end 82 of a stainless steel or hard plastic shaft 84. Each blade 74, 76, 78, 80 is identical to the other blades 74, 76, 78, 80. As was the case with the trocars 10, 50 disclosed above, the trocar 70 can have any standard outer diameter OD, e.g., eight, ten, or twenty millimeters (8 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm) or any non-standard size.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shaft 84 has a proximal segment 86 and a distal segment 88. FIG. 5 shows that a cavity 90 is formed in the proximal segment 86, and a central core section 92 is formed in the distal segment 88 coaxially with the cavity 90 in an abutting relationship thereto. Both the cavity 90 and central core section 92 have diameters D1 equal to about five millimeters (5 mm).

Also, a transparent plastic or glass plug 94 is positioned in the central core section 92. The plug 94 has a proximal end 96 and a distal end 98, and the ends 96, 98 of the plug 94 are polished, to improve light transmission through the ends 96, 98.

The details of the trocar 70 can best be seen in reference to FIG. 6. Taking the blade 74 as an example, the blade 74 has a pointed distal tip 74a and a flat proximal edge 74b. Further, the blade 74 has a distal segment 74c and a proximal segment 74d. As shown in FIG. 6, the distal segment of each of the blades 74, 76, 78, 80 is tapered inwardly toward the distal tip of the blade, and a space 75 is established between the inside edges of the blades. The pointed distal tips of the blades can be closely spaced from each other and, as shown, are preferably in contact with each other.

As also shown in FIG. 6, taking the blade 74 as an example, the length L1 of the distal segment 74c is equal to about seven millimeters (7 mm), while the length L2 of the proximal segment 74d is equal to about fifteen millimeters (15 mm). Also, the width W1 of the proximal segment 74d is equal to about five millimeters (5 mm)

It is to be understood that the blades 76, 78, 80 are in all essential respects identical to the blade 74. It is to be further understood that while the scale of the dimensions described above may vary, depending upon the size of the trocar 70, the ratios between the lengths L1, L2, W1 will remain about the same as disclosed, to ensure that the blade 74 has adequate strength and axial rigidity to pierce tissue.

FIG. 6 also shows that the blades 74, 76, 78, 80 are fixedly attached to the shaft 84. More specifically, four slots 100, 102, 104, 106 are formed in the shaft 84, with each slot 100, 102, 104, 106 extending longitudinally on the shaft 84, and the proximal segments of the blades 74, 76, 78, 80 (proximal segments 74d, 78d shown in FIG. 6) are positioned in respective slots 100, 102, 104 106 and then welded or brazed to the shaft 84.

It can be appreciated in cross-reference to FIG. 5 and 6 that the cutting blades 74, 76, 78, 80 are positioned on the shaft 84 according to the same principle as the cutting blades 52, 54 are positioned relative to the shaft 51 (FIG. 4). More particularly, the cutting blades 74, 76, 78, 80 are positioned on the shaft 84 to maximize the amount of light from the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 70 which can propagate past the blades 74, 76, 78, 80 and impinge on the distal end 98 of the plug 94.

Light which impinges on the distal end 98 of the plug 94 propagates through the plug 94 and past its proximal end 96. The light then enters the cavity 90. A light gathering member 108 is positioned in the cavity 90 to receive the light and generate an electrical signal representative of the image of the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 70. This signal is sent to a video display system (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) for display of the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 70 on a video monitor. It is to be understood that in the presently preferred embodiment, the light gathering member 108 is in all essential respects identical to the rigid endoscope 20 shown in FIG. 3.

Now referring to FIGS. 9-12, an alternate embodiment of the trocar of the present invention is shown, generally designated 200. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the trocar 200 has an elongated cylindrical shaft 202 defining an axis 204.

The trocar 200 has a distal end segment configured for cutting tissue. More specifically, as best shown FIGS. 9 and 10, the trocar 200 has a distal segment 206 that establishes a puncturing head for cutting tissue. As shown, the distal segment 206 is shaped as a partial cone, i.e., the distal segment 206 has a curvilinear surface 208, a flat surface 210, a base 212, and a distal apex 214. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the apex 214 of the distal segment 206 is distanced from the axis 204 of the shaft 202.

To form the distal segment 206 as shown, the distal segment 206 is cast, molded, forged, or machined as a right circular cone. Then, the distal segment 206 is machined or ground to establish the flat surface 210. As can be appreciated in reference to FIGS. 9-12, the shaft 202 and distal segment 206 are preferably made of a unitary piece of material, e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or hard plastic or composite material.

FIG. 11 best shows that a hollow channel 216 is longitudinally formed in the shaft 202 and distal segment 206. The channel 216 terminates at an aperture 218 that is formed in the flat surface 210 of the distal segment 206. An endoscope 220, which is in all essential respects identical to the endoscope 20 shown in FIG. 3, is disposed in the channel 216, with a distal end 222 of the endoscope 220 positioned adjacent the aperture 218.

FIG. 11 also shows that a cutting blade 224 is glued to the distal segment 206 within a slot 226 which is formed in the distal segment 206. Preferably, the blade 224 is a metal or hard plastic blade that has opposed sharpened cutting edges 228, 230 (best known in FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 10, each cutting edge 228, 230 of the blade 224 protrudes outwardly from the curved surface 208 of the distal segment 206 to cut tissue and thereby aid advancing the trocar 200 through tissue. If desired, the edge 232 of the flat surface 210 can be sharpened, to further aid in advancing the trocar 200 through tissue.

Referring back to FIG. 9, metal or plastic handle 234 is attached to a proximal end segment 236 of the shaft 202. Preferably, the proximal end segment 236 is embedded in the handle 234. The endoscope 220 extends through the channel 216 and into the handle 234, and a video display system (not shown) can be operably engaged with the endoscope 220.

Furthermore, the handle 234 has a curved finger surface 238. Accordingly, a person can firmly grasp the handle 234 with his fingers against the gripping surface 238 and advance the trocar 200 through tissue.

Now referring to FIGS. 13 through 16, yet another embodiment of the visualization trocar of the present invention is shown, generally designated 300. As shown, the trocar 300 has an elongated hollow cylindrical shaft 302 which has a distal end 303 and a longitudinal axis 312. The shaft 302 can advantageously be made of stainless steel, titanium, hard plastic, or suitable metallic material.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show that the trocar 300 has a puncturing head 304 formed integrally with the distal end 303 of shaft 302 during manufacturing. As intended by the present invention, the puncturing head 304 is generally shaped as a tapered cutting element having a plurality of blades, and its base is generally circular to conform to the cylindrical shape of the shaft 302. It is to be understood that the shaft 302 with puncturing head 304 can be formed by any suitable means known in the art, e.g., by molding, forging, grinding, or machining.

As intended by the present invention, the puncturing head 304 includes a plurality of, preferably three, generally longitudinal, flat, cutting blades 306, 308, 310. Each of the cutting blades 306, 308, 310 forms one of the sides of the tapered puncturing head 304. Accordingly, each blade 306, 308, 310 is oriented such that the planes defined by the flat sides of the blades 306, 308, 310 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 312 of the shaft 302. The blades 306, 308, 310 are formed as thin as possible, while still maintaining the necessary rigidity, so their respective flat sides lie in planes which are very close to the longitudinal axis 312. This maximizes the amount of light that can pass between the blades, and it maximizes the visible portion of the area beyond the distal end of the trocar.

Thus, in the presently preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, the puncturing head 304 includes three cutting blades 306, 308, 310, each of which lies substantially along a plane that extends radially from the longitudinal axis 312 of the shaft 302. In accordance with the present invention, the cutting blades 306, 308, 310 include sharpened cutting edges 314, 316, 318. As shown best in FIG. 13, each blade 306, 308, 310, and each cutting edge 314, 316, 318, through most of its length, is spaced from the longitudinal axis 312 of the shaft 302 except at a distal tip 320 of the puncturing head 304, where the blades 306, 308, 310 meet each other at a common juncture. The distal tip 320 is blunted to allow the trocar to contact organs lightly without doing any damage.

As further shown in FIG. 13, each cutting edge 314, 316, 318, is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis 312. Specifically, each cutting edge 314, 316, 318 slants radially inwardly from the periphery of the distal end 303 of the shaft 302 toward the distal tip 320 of the puncturing head 304.

As further shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the puncturing head 304 establishes a light passageway 322 from the area beyond the distal end 303 of the shaft 302 to a location within a hollow longitudinal bore 324 in the shaft 302. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, each pair of contiguous blades 306/308, 308/310, 310/306 has a respective aperture 328, 330, 332 formed in the area between the two blades. The apertures 328, 330, 332 constitute the light passageway 322, thereby providing light communication between the area beyond the distal end of the trocar and the internal bore 324. Consequently, light from beyond the puncturing head 304 can propagate through one or more of the apertures 328, 330, 332 into the internal bore 324 of the shaft 302.

FIG. 16 shows that a light transmitting member 326 is positioned in the bore 324 for collecting light propagating from the area beyond the distal end 303 of the shaft 302. The light transmitting member can be the objective lens of an endoscope, or any other member suitable for transmitting light to an image forming device which ultimately provides an image for viewing by the surgeon. As shown in FIG. 14, the bore 324 has a distal terminus 325, and a distal end 327 of the light transmitting member 326 is preferably located at the proximal peripheries 334, 336, 338 of the apertures 328, 330, 332. This spaces the distal end 327 of the light transmitting member 326 apart from the cutting edges 314, 316, 318 to insure that the tissues being penetrated are held away from the light transmitting member 326. Three concave surfaces 340, 342, 344 are formed in the puncturing head 304 between the blades 306, 308, 310. The concave surfaces form the proximal peripheries of the apertures 328, 330, 332, while the blades 306, 308, 310 form the distal peripheries of the apertures. The concave surfaces 340, 342, 344 assist in gently spreading the tissues being penetrated, as the trocar advances. Locating the distal end 327 of the light transmitting member 326 at the proximal peripheries 334, 336, 338 of the apertures 328, 330, 332 also insures that any fluid or loose tissue in the area will not be trapped on the distal end 327.

Three oblong strips 346, 348, 350 surround the apertures 328, 330, 332. Each strip 346, 348, 350 lies entirely in a plane, with the intersections of the three thusly defined planes defining a right triangular pyramid having edges lying on the three cutting edges 314, 316, 318. The three oblong strips also define the proximal peripheries 352, 354, 356 of the concave surfaces 340, 342, 344, respectively. Formation of these three strips 346, 348, 350 assists in spreading of the penetrated tissues as the trocar advances.

In accordance with the present invention, the light transmitting member 326 is optically connected to a video camera which is in turn connected to a video monitor to establish a video display system for presenting an image of structure which is located distally beyond the puncturing head 304. It is to be understood that the light transmitting member 326 can be a rigid endoscope similar to the endoscope 20 and can be operably engaged with a suitable surgical video display system, such as a Trimedyne video system with remote CCD camera head and video monitor. Alternatively, the light transmitting member 326 can include fiber optics.

The manufacture of the trocar 300 can best be appreciated in reference to FIG. 13. A cylindrical bar is formed by means well-known in the art with a central hollow bore which is coaxial with the bar. One end of the bar is formed into the puncturing head 304 by machining three equally spaced bevel cuts into the distal end of the bar to form a pyramid. Then, three notches are cut into the bar, down to the distal terminus of the bore 324 to establish the blades 306, 308, 310. The concave surfaces 340, 342, 344 are machined into the distal end of the bar, penetrating into the distal terminus of the bore 324, to form the proximal portions of the apertures 328, 330, 332. The distal portions of the apertures 328, 330, 332 are then machined into the back sides of the blades 306, 308, 310 to complete the formation of the puncturing head 304. As intended herein, the contours mentioned may be performed by machining, molding, or any other suitable means known in the art.

In the operation of the trocar 10, reference is made to FIG. 8. Initially, a small pilot hole is made in the abdomen of a patient 110 by means well-known in the laparascopic surgery art. More specifically, an insufflation needle is advanced into the abdomen of the patient 110 to inflate the abdomen with air. Then, the insufflation needle is retrieved from the patient 110, and the trocar 10 advanced into the patient 110 through the opening created by the insufflation needle.

As shown, a hollow sleeve 112, e.g., a Stable Access Cannula® made by Marlow of Minnesota, is positioned around the trocar 10, and the trocar 10 can reciprocate within the sleeve 112. Alternatively, the trocar 10 can be springloaded in a sleeve such that the trocar 10 is urged distally outwardly from the sleeve when the trocar 10 abuts tissue during advancement of the trocar, to permit the trocar 10 to cut the tissue. When the trocar 10 encounters little or no resistance, the trocar 10 slides back proximally within the sleeve, to avoid inadvertently puncturing tissue which is not to be punctured.

As the trocar 10 with sleeve 112 is advanced into the patient 110, the puncturing head 28 of the trocar 10 cuts through tissue. During advancement of the trocar 10, light from the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 10 can propagate through the transparent puncturing head 28 and transparent shaft 12 and impinge upon the endoscope 20. The endoscope 20 in turn generates an electrical signal representative of the pathway of intended advancement of the trocar 10, and sends this signal to the video monitor 24 via the line 26 for display for the pathway of intended advancement on the video monitor 24. The surgeon can view the pathway of the intended advancement of the trocar 10 on the monitor 24 to safely and properly position the trocar 10 with sleeve 112 inside the patient 24. Upon positioning the trocar 10 with sleeve 112 as desired, the trocar 10 is retrieved from the patient 110, and the sleeve 112 remains in place inside the patient 110 to establish a working channel for an endoscopic instrument. It is to be understood that the operation of each of the trocars 50, 70, 200, 300 is in all essential respects identical to the operation of the trocar 10.

While the particular IMPROVED TROCAR FOR ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An endoscopic instrument for piercing tissues of a patient, comprising:a shaft, said shaft having a distal end; a tapered puncturing head formed on said distal end of said shaft, said puncturing head having a plurality of cutting edges; a blunted distal tip formed on a distal end of said puncturing head; a longitudinal bore formed within said shaft, said bore having a distal terminus located within said puncturing head; a plurality of apertures formed in said puncturing head, each said aperture penetrating into said distal terminus of said longitudinal bore; and a light transmitting member mounted in said longitudinal bore, in light communication with the patient tissues via said apertures, for transmitting light which impinges on said puncturing head.
 2. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein said cutting edges and said blunted distal tip are interconnected to bridge over said terminus of said longitudinal bore to maintain the patient tissues spaced apart from said light transmitting member.
 3. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein each said cutting edge has a proximal end formed adjacent the outer perimeter of said shaft, and each said cutting edge has a distal end formed adjacent the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
 4. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein each said aperture is formed between two contiguous said cutting edges.
 5. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal blades formed on said puncturing head, each said blade having one of said cutting edges formed thereon, each said blade being oriented substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
 6. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 5, further comprising planar side surfaces on each of said blades, the plane of each said side surface being parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
 7. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 5, wherein a distal periphery of each said aperture is formed by two contiguous said blades.
 8. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 5, further comprising a plurality of concave surfaces formed on said puncturing head, each said concave surface lying between proximal ends of two contiguous said blades.
 9. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 8, wherein a proximal periphery of each said aperture is formed by one of said concave surfaces.
 10. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 9, further comprising a continuous planar strip surrounding but separated from each said aperture, each said planar strip being bordered by said cutting edges on two contiguous said blades, and each said planar strip being bordered by a proximal periphery of one of said concave surfaces.
 11. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein a distal end of said light transmitting member is positioned adjacent to a proximal extremity of each of said apertures.
 12. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, further comprising a lumen in said shaft for flow of irrigation fluid to a point adjacent to said apertures.
 13. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 1, further comprising a lumen in said shaft for aspiration of fluid from a point adjacent to said apertures.
 14. An endoscopic instrument for piercing tissues of a patient, comprising:a shaft, said shaft having a distal end; a tapered puncturing head formed on said distal end of said shaft; a plurality of sharpened cutting edges formed on said puncturing head, each said cutting edge having a proximal end formed adjacent the outer perimeter of said shaft, and each said cutting edge having a distal end formed adjacent the longitudinal axis of said shaft; a blunted distal tip formed on said puncturing head adjacent said distal ends of said cutting edges; a longitudinal bore formed within said shaft, said bore having a distal terminus located radially inwardly from said proximal ends of said cutting edges; a plurality of apertures formed in said puncturing head between said plurality of cutting edges, each said aperture penetrating into said distal terminus of said longitudinal bore; and a light transmitting member mounted in said longitudinal bore, in light communication with the patient tissues via said apertures and said bore, for transmitting light which impinges on said puncturing head.
 15. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 14, further comprising a plurality of substantially longitudinal blades formed on said puncturing head, each said blade having one of said cutting edges formed thereon, each said blade being oriented substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
 16. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 15, further comprising planar side surfaces on each of said blades, the plane of each said side surface being parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
 17. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 15, wherein a distal periphery of each said aperture is formed by two contiguous said blades.
 18. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of concave surfaces formed on said puncturing head, each said concave surface lying between said proximal ends of two contiguous said blades.
 19. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 18, wherein a proximal periphery of each said aperture is formed by one of said concave surfaces.
 20. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 19, further comprising a continuous planar strip surrounding but separated from each said aperture, each said planar strip being bordered by said cutting edges on two contiguous said blades, and each said planar strip being bordered by a proximal periphery of one of said concave surfaces.
 21. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 14, wherein a distal end of said light transmitting member is positioned adjacent to a proximal extremity of each of said apertures.
 22. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 14, further comprising a lumen in said shaft for flow of irrigation fluid to a point adjacent to said apertures.
 23. An endoscopic piercing instrument as recited in claim 14, further comprising a lumen in said shaft for aspiration of fluid from a point adjacent to said apertures.
 24. An endoscopic instrument for piercing tissues of a patient, comprising:a shaft, said shaft having a distal end; a tapered puncturing head formed on said distal end of said shaft; a plurality of substantially longitudinal flat blades formed on said puncturing head, each said blade having a proximal end formed adjacent the outer perimeter of said shaft, and each said blade having a distal end joined to the distal ends of the other said blades, the juncture of said distal ends of said blades being coincident with the longitudinal axis of said shaft, each said blade being oriented substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of said shaft; an outwardly facing sharpened cutting edge formed on each said blade; a blunted distal tip formed on said puncturing head at said juncture of said distal ends of said blades; a plurality of concave surfaces formed on said puncturing head, each said concave surface lying between said proximal ends of two contiguous said blades; a longitudinal bore formed within said shaft, said bore having a distal terminus located radially inwardly from said proximal ends of said blades; a plurality of apertures formed in said puncturing head between said plurality of cutting edges, each said aperture penetrating into said distal terminus of said longitudinal bore, a distal periphery of each said aperture being formed by two contiguous said blades, a proximal periphery of each said aperture being formed by one of said concave surfaces; and a light transmitting member mounted in said longitudinal bore, in light communication with the patient tissues via said apertures and said bore, for transmitting light which impinges on said puncturing head, a distal end of said light transmitting member being positioned adjacent to said proximal peripheries of said apertures. 